THE family of a 47-year-old man who died rescuing two children from the sea have paid tribute to their “hero”.

Dyfed-Powys Police were called to Poppit Sands, St Dogmaels, at around 8.40pm on Friday, June 10, by air ambulance who reported that a number of people had been caught in a riptide.

Tragically, despite the best efforts of the emergency services, 47-year-old local man Hywel Morgan died after being recovered from the sea.

It is understood Hywel, who was known affectionately as Hyw by family and friends, had helped to rescue a group of children who had got into difficulty in the water.

Western Telegraph: Hywel Morgan died while trying to save a group of children at Poppit Sands beach. He was 47Hywel Morgan died while trying to save a group of children at Poppit Sands beach. He was 47

 His family have issued a short tribute to the 'devoted and loving father'.

“Hyw was a hero. Despite our pain and grief, it gives us comfort that he selflessly tried to prevent others from losing their lives.

“Hyw was a selfless individual who always gave up his time for others. He was a devoted and loving father and was loved and respect by all who knew him.

“As a family, we would now like time to grieve and would ask for privacy in which to do so.”

Hyw was a hero

Western Telegraph: Message from the family on Hywel's Facebook pageMessage from the family on Hywel's Facebook page

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Two children were taken to hospital to be checked over following the incident.